Antiretroviral Therapy

Standard antiretroviral therapy (ART) uses a combination of at least 3 antiretroviral (ARV) medications to sufficiently suppress the HIV virus and prevent the progression of HIV. Huge cutbacks have been seen in the rates of death and suffering when a potent ARV regimen is used, particularly in early stages of the disease. In addition, improved exposure to ART may also minimize transmission of HIV at the community level, affect orphanhood and maintain families. WHO suggests ART for all HIV-positive individuals as early as possible following diagnosis without any CD4 count limits. It also recommends that pre-exposure prophylaxis be offered to people at high risk of Contracting the disease as an additional prevention option as part of comprehensive prevention. Countries are now in the process of adapting and implementing these suggestions in their own epidemiological environments.